BMI was founded in 1938. It started life as a pilot traiing school
called Air Schools Ltd.
In 1949 it became Derby Aviation flying passenger flights out of Burnaston Airfield
near Derby. Pilot training was eventually abandoned.
In 1959 it became Derby Airways until 1964 when it became British Midland Airways.
In 1969 the airline moved to the new East Midlands Airport.
In 1978, some directors including Micheal Bishop took a majority share in British
Midland.
They then moved the HQ to Castle Donington in 1982.
In 1986 it became just British Midland
In 1989 the airline experienced its darkest hour when a flight crashed on approach
to East Midlands airport after diverting in with smoke in the cockpit. 47 people died. This is the last major crash in the
UK involving a UK based passenger aircraft.
In 1995 it became the first airline to take payment over the internet for tickets.
In 2000 BM joined the Star Alliance.
In 2002 BMIbaby was launched as a Low Cost subsidary of BM.
In 2003 the last name change to BMI took place.
In 2007 BMI bought BMED off British Airways and commenced operations on 28 October
2007, operating in full BMI colours and flight codes.
Sir Micheal Bishop is the head of the airline which employs around 5000 staff.
